How to Dye Using the Sink or Bucket Method
Supplies Needed
- Rit All-Purpose Dye
- Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative (Recommended)
- Measuring Cup
- Large Metal Spoon
- Plastic Container or Stainless Steel Sink
- Paper Towels
- Plastic Table Cover
- Rubber Gloves
- Salt (If Dyeing Cotton, Rayon, Ramie or Linen)
- Vinegar (If Dyeing Nylon, Silk or Wool)
- Dishwashing Liquid
The sink or bucket method is the traditional dye method and the one most commonly used. It’s also one of the best methods to use when mixing dyes to create custom colours because you can easily test the colour of your mixture with a paper towel. You can either use a plastic container that you don’t mind getting stained or a stainless steel sink. We do not recommend dyeing in a porcelain or fiberglass sink.
Important Notes
Synthetic Fabrics
If you are dyeing synthetic fabric (i.e. fabric containing more than 35% polyester, acrylic or acetate) with Rit DyeMore, then you cannot use this method. Due to the complexity of dyeing synthetics, you must use the stovetop method to maintain an almost boiling temperature for the duration of your dyeing.
Colour
If the garment you are dyeing is white or off white, then you should be able to achieve true colour. If the garment has an existing colour, then please review our instructions on how to change the colour of a garment.
Patterns and Logos
If the garment you are dyeing has a pattern or logo, the colour you use will mix with the existing colour(s) in the fabric and create new colours. To learn more about this, please review our instructions on overdyeing patterns and logos.
Bleach Stains and Sun Damage
Sun and bleach actually damage fabric, making it very difficult to dye. Unfortunately, that means we cannot guarantee dye will cover up the stains.
For general dye projects, use the sink or bucket method.
If you are looking to achieve as vibrant a colour as possible (or dyeing nylon), use the stovetop method.
If you want to dye large items or are looking for the easiest dye method, then use the washing machine method.
Instructions
- To determine how much dye is needed, weigh the item to be dyed on a food scale or estimate the weight. As a general guideline, one liquid bottle / two powder packages dyes 1 kilogram of dry fabric. If you are trying to achieve a very bold colour, then double the dye quantity.
- Fibre content and weight affect how colour appears. If you are in doubt as to whether your fabric will accept dye or achieve the color you want, we recommend testing a swatch first.
- Before dyeing, remove any visible stains on the garment. This will help achieve uniform colour results when dyeing. Pre-wash item in warm, soapy water without any fabric softener. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.
- Cover work area with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills.
- Wear rubber gloves to protect hands from getting stained and to insulate them when working with hot water.
- Fill a plastic container or stainless steel sink with enough water for the fabric to move freely. We recommend using three gallons of water for every pound of fabric. The water should ideally be 60°C. If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove and add to the dyebath.
- To enhance the color: (1) add 240 mL of salt when dyeing fabrics containing cotton, rayon, ramie or linen; (2) add 240 mL of vinegar when dyeing fabrics containing nylon, silk or wool.
- Add 5 mL of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.
- If using powder dye, dissolve thoroughly in 470 mL of very hot water.
- Pour dissolved powder dye or well-shaken liquid dye into dyebath and mix well.
- Test colour by dipping a paper towel into the dyebath. If color is too light, add more dye. If color is too dark, add more water.
- Wet the fabric, squeeze out any excess water and add it to the dyebath.
- Stir slowly and continuously. The first 10 minutes are the most critical. Stirring helps to ensure an even color with no splotches.
- Item can remain in dyebath from 10 minutes up to one hour with stirring. If dyeing a polyester cotton blend, keep the fabric in the dyebath for at least 30 minutes to ensure that the colour takes fully. Nylon tends to dye very quickly and much darker than other fibres so the actual time needed in the dyebath is less.
- When desired colour is achieved, remove from dyebath. Fabric will look darker when wet and will dry lighter.
- To enhance the colour and reduce colour bleeding, use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing, following these instructions.
- Rinse in cool water until rinse water begins to run clear.
- Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.